MONTHLY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2026 | |
Table of Contents
From the Director
STEM Highlight of the Month
News from the McKinney Center
Events, Workshops & Webinars
Opportunities & Resources for Students & Families
Opportunities & Resources for Teachers & Educators
Grants, Funding, & Scholarships
Career Opportunities
Articles and Publications
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I cannot begin to express my gratitude and appreciation to all of our Remake Learning Days (RLD) event hosts who helped make our inaugural year such a tremendous success. Together, we demonstrated the incredible power of learning and what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision of education.
Here’s a snapshot of what we accomplished together:
• 181 free learning events
• 37 days celebrating the power of learning
• 45 unique partners
• 8 neighborhoods represented across Philadelphia
These numbers tell an impressive story, but the true impact lies in the thousands of learners, families, educators, and community members who were inspired and connected through these experiences. The success of RLD is a powerful reminder that when we collaborate, we can expand access to STEM learning opportunities, strengthen pathways to economic mobility, and create brighter futures for communities across Philadelphia. The countdown to RLD 2027 has already begun, and I hope you will join us again next year as we continue building on this momentum. Check out the RLD summary article below.
A huge shoutout also goes out to all of our incredible STEM partners who joined us at McKinney's all-member networking meeting earlier this month! The event not only provided an opportunity to share updates on the McKinney Center’s strategic direction and clarification surrounding its organizational structure, it also reinforced the power of community! The energy in the room was invigorating! It was so awesome to see familiar faces while forging new connections within this amazing community. If you missed the meeting, we will be sharing out additional content later this month.
Enjoy the warm weather and I look forward to seeing many of you soon!
David S. Garbe, PhD (he/him)
Director, McKinney Center for STEM Education
| | STEM Highlight of the Month | | |
Philadelphia STEM Education Directory
New Look and Easier to Use!
f you have children, you may already have their summer plans mapped out—but if you’re still looking for engaging learning opportunities, the Philadelphia STEM Education Directory is a great place to start. With more than 70 in-person, out-of-school STEM programs serving students from Pre-K through high school, there are opportunities that connect families with a wide range of hands-on STEM experiences designed to inspire the next generation of learners.
We recently refreshed the Directory with a new look and enhanced search features to make it even easier for families to find the right STEM opportunities. You can now search directly by program name for faster access to the programs you know and love. Not sure of a program’s name? No problem! The Directory still allows you to explore opportunities based on student interests, grade level, location, time of year, and whether programs offer transportation assistance or complimentary participation. Finding the perfect STEM experience for your child has never been easier.
If you would like to register your program, go HERE. We also have an option for teachers and educators to search the directory for available STEM professional development opportunities for K-12 classroom teachers, informal educators. and/or museum educators. To register a PD opportunity, go HERE. For more information, contact Betsy Payne, Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem Manager.
| | News from the McKinney Center | | |
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Partner Community of Practice (PCoP)
at Cramp Elementary
Splash into STEM Spring Event!
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The 3rd Annual Cramp STEM Community Day took place on Thursday, April 9. This year's theme—Water—invited students, families, and teachers to participate in a day of hands-on STEM activities. Throughout the day, students contributed to “building their watershed” by completing activities that connect to PCoP's partner programming and reinforce environmental science content. As part of the event, the students were given a bilingual passport of activities and
encouraged to search for answers among the different activities.
The PCoP at William Cramp Elementary School, launched in 2023 under PSEC's K-12 Education Workgroup, is a collaborative initiative designed to expand equitable access to high-quality, culturally relevant STEM education in a North Philadelphia community school. PCoP brought together multiple STEM partners to deliver coordinated, hands-on learning experiences for students and professional development across all grade levels:
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This work would not have been possible without the leadership and dedication of Elias Corbin, Cramp School’s Community Coordinator, who played a vital role in connecting partners and keeping the community informed about school priorities, upcoming events, and important communications from school leadership and staff.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Cramp's Principal Dr. Yonaira Rodriguez and the many school's teachers and staff who helped make the event a roaring success. To get involved or help support this impactful partnership please contact Jamie Shuda at Jamie.shuda@pennmemdicine.upenn.edu.
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On a Saturday morning in early May, children paddled canoes at the Strawberry Mansion Reservoir, experimented with the science of soccer at a Germantown library, and learned about composting in Kensington. These moments captured the spirit of Remake Learning Days Philadelphia 2026.
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For the first time, Philadelphia stood as its own Remake Learning Days region, with 181 free learning events across 37 days, led by 45 partners in 8 neighborhoods. Supported locally by the Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem, the festival invited families into libraries, parks, schools, museums, and community spaces for hands-on learning rooted in curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
What made the festival especially meaningful was not just its scale, but its approach. Remake Learning Days empowered communities to define what learning looks like within their own spaces and neighborhoods. Caregivers were embraced not only as supporters, but as learners themselves, reinforcing the idea that learning extends far beyond the classroom and remains a lifelong journey. Throughout the three weeks of RLD, events spanned STEM, the arts, maker culture, outdoor learning, career readiness, and civic engagement. There was truly something meaningful for learners of every age across the city.
Thank you to all the organizations that made the festival a success. More than a festival, RLD Philadelphia demonstrates what becomes possible when a city learns together. It showcased the strength of community-based learning and the power of a connected network working to expand opportunities for all.
Visit our new "Remake Learning Days" page to see a list of organizations, pictures and more information.
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On May 2, 2026, PRISE, one of McKinney's closest collaborators, hosted its spring STEM Educator Convening at Saint Joseph’s University. The event was co-sponsored by the STEM Teacher Talent Development Coalition, Remake Learning Days, the Chief Science Officers program and the Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem. The convening brought together 79 current and future STEM Educators who explored new approaches to STEM teaching which aligned with the Convening’s theme: Think Globally, Act Locally: Connecting STEM to Real World Issues.
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The 16 breakout sessions covered engaging topics ranging from building a school-based hydroponics farm through community partnership and using statistics to examine gentrification, to exploring energy injustice with water wheel models. Additionally, teachers in the PRISE New Teacher Support Program developed their leadership skills by facilitating sessions. A special program track for high school and college students spotlighted career pathways in STEM education, engaging eight student participants from Feeding Philly, Science Leadership Academy @ Beeber, and the Chief Science Officers program. The experience offered young people a unique opportunity to explore the impact and possibilities of a future in education.
The convening concluded with a celebration of achievement and service, including a tribute to Dr. Herb Green, a longtime STEM educator, mentor, and PRISE facilitator. Dr. Green's dedication inspired countless teachers and students and had a profound impact on the Philadelphia education community.
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2026 Technical.ly Philly's ReaLIST Connectors
We want to congratulate one our Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem's member Maurie Smith for being named one of Tehnial.ly ReaLiIST Connector of 2026! Maurie Smith is the inaugural Managing Director of the Keystone LifeSci Collaborative.
Maurie's role is pivotal in advancing KLSC's life sciences initiatives, focusing on policy, programmatic, and infrastructure development. She is dedicated to expanding KLSC's influence across the Greater Philadelphia region by engaging life science leaders and fostering partnerships with public, private, and community stakeholders.
Congratulations, Maurie - well deserved!
| | Events, Workshops & Webinar | | |
2026 PHENND K-16 June Institute - The Warm Handoff: Successful Student Transitions to High School, College and the Work Force
Educators, counselors, college access professionals, and administrators should join us to share–and learn from– effective models for collaboration, data sharing, mentoring, and student engagement that bridge the gaps between schools, institutions and the work force. Participants will leave with practical tools and insights to strengthen continuity, belonging, and success during critical transition points. June 2, 2026 at the Community College of Philadelphia.
CPHI Americas 2026
Do you want to connect with the leaders shaping pharma’s future – regulatory experts, CDMO innovators, and biologics pioneers – all in one hall. This is the event for you! Discover what’s next: From AI advancements to biologics breakthroughs, attendees will gain insights that are sure to define the next decade of pharma; and build the partnerships that drive progress – sourcing, innovation, or expansion, this is where deals happen. June 2–4, 2026 at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
Strengthening Afterschool and Summer Learning Through Quality Programming
Join the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) and the Center for Schools and Communities 21st Century Community Learning Centers Technical Assistance Team for a free, full day workshop that will provide out-of-school time (OST) professionals with practical strategies, resources, and tools grounded in PSAYDN’s Quality Afterschool Standards and Core Functions. This workshop is great for OST providers, school-age child care professionals, 21st CCLC grantees, BOOST grantees, educators, and youth serving organizations. June 9, 2026 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at Harrisburg PATTAN.
Robotics, Technology, and AI: The final Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystem (PSSE) Advocacy Workshop
Join us for our final workshop that combines economic insight with leadership storytelling to inspire collaboration, innovation, and advocacy across the Commonwealth. June 18, 2026, from 8:00am to to 9:30am For more information and to register for any of the sessions, go HERE.
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Looking for more STEM related activities?
Search for a variety of STEM opportunities including family days, workshops, webinars, and more at PSEC’s Event Calendar Page.
| | Opportunities & Resources for Students and Families | | |
OPPORTUNITIES:
19th Annual Neighborhood Job Fair - Temple University
This is Philly's largest Annual Citywide Employment Event! Adult professionals, recent college grads, and military veterans are strongly urged to attend. Come meet with many area employers under one roof...ALL HIRING! June 5 , 2026 from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Aramark STAR Complex.
STEM BOOTCAMP- IT’S a North Philly Thing
Join Pressley STEM and ECOTEK for STEM Bootcamp located in North Philadelphia. Who should sign up? Student ages 7-17, interested in designing connectors for electric vehicles and other electrical components. This three-day camp will leave you with knowledge, experience, and posters that may be presented to teachers, classmates, and friends. July 7 to 9, 2026. For more information, contact Carolyn Pressley, Co-Founder Pressley STEM Foundation.
West Philadelphia Zoo Scholars
This program is an exciting opportunity for high school students in West Philadelphia to dive into the world of wildlife, science, and environmental action. This 7-year immersive program provides resources and paid opportunities to local young people coming from the Zoo’s surrounding neighborhoods to increase their interest and access to zoological, animal care, and conservation career fields. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Young Scholars High School Program - University of Pennsylvania
The Young Scholars High School Program allows outstanding juniors attending a local high school within commutable distance to the University to take college courses in the fall and spring semesters. Students attending City of Philadelphia public and charter schools are eligible for tuition-free participation in the program. Application deadline is August 1, 2026.
RESOURCES:
Leave No Trace (LNT) and Protect the Next 250 Years of Public Lands America's 250 Booklets!
LNT is encouraging youth and families to get outdoors this year to connect with their public lands and has developed free, fun, & educational America's 250 related booklets for both youth & adults. Download them for free.
Evolving Minds Project
High quality storybook-based curriculum on biological evolution for elementary school teachers...and it's FREE! It seeks to promote children’s early scientific understanding by developing high-quality, field-tested curriculum materials and sharing them for free with elementary school teachers and their students.
| | Opportunities & Resources for Teachers & Educators | | |
OPPORTUNITIES:
Smithsonian STEAM Schools of Distinction: Education for a More Sustainable Future
The Smithsonian Science Education Center is launching Smithsonian STEAM Schools of Distinction, a first-of-its-kind Smithsonian program designed to specifically identify, support, and recognize middle schools and high schools that are taking a whole-school, systemic approach to integrating STEAM Education for a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future - one that creates a community where administrators, teachers, and students thrive. The first step in the 3-year process is to apply to attend this summer’s Strategic Planning Institute focused on STEAM + Sustainability in Washington, D.C., July 13-17, 2026. Application deadline is June 15, 2026.
Gardens as Learning Labs: Using Nature to Teach Science and Environmental Literacy through STEELS - Longwood Gardens
This professional development opportunity focuses on connections in nature and how to implement PA Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) standards in your classroom, all while earning 25 Act 48 hours. Recommended for educators in grades 3–5. July 27 to July 31, 2026 at Longwood Gardens.
Nutrients for Life Teacher Ambassadors
Do you love teaching and believe in the power of soil science? Step into a bigger role as a Nutrients for Life Teacher Ambassador! Represent educators across the country, share your classroom experiences, connect with fellow teachers, and help inspire the next generation to understand plant and soil science. This two-year program is designed with teachers in mind and allows you to stay focused on your classroom while helping shape meaningful, classroom-ready resources.
RESOURCES:
ATLAS: Authentic Tasks for Learning & Assessment in Science
ATLAS is a digital platform designed to support K-12 science educators by providing a library of NGSS-aligned performance tasks. The platform is teacher-centered, collaborative, and focuses on authentic, experiential performance tasks that engage students with real-world science. ATLAS is a free, open-access digital platform that allows educators to search for and use science performance tasks.
NOVA - PBS Learning Media - WHYY
These standards-aligned resources make content meaningful to students by providing opportunities to engage with a broad range of phenomena and connecting STEM to our daily lives and societal issues.
Interactive Data and Visualization Tools - Millennial Cities
Millennial Cities is an online resource for planners, changemakers, and curious observers. Find hundreds of web-mapping applications and interactive, data-driven geospatial tools related to demographics, climate change, urban planning, transportation, sustainability, social justice, the environment, housing, and more. Explore the tools, read our articles, and make change in your community.
| | Grants, Funding, & Scholarships | | |
2026 Veterans and Nature Grant - The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)
NEEF invites eligible organizations to apply for funding to develop and scale programs that connect veterans to nature and to one another on America's public lands. The American Medical Association has partnered with NEEF to bring an evidence-based health perspective to this effort, underscoring the growing body of research linking time in nature to improved physical and mental health outcomes. Application deadline is June 10, 2026.
STEM Programs Grant - Glenn W. Bailey Foundation
We support STEM educational opportunities ranging in age from early-elementary through post-doctoral candidates and beyond to promote intense STEM learning and initiatives that seek to increase awareness and success in STEM careers in the United States. Applications are now open.
William Penn Foundation
The Foundation will release six new Requests for Proposals (RFPs) on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 focused on Arts and Culture General Operating Support; Green Stormwater Infrastructure; Investment in Parks; Public Benefits; Voter Participation; and Workforce Training Supports.
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STEM Tutoring Coordinator - University of Pennsylvania
The STEM Tutoring Coordinator assists in the management, onboarding, and supervision of an extensive peer educator staff. The Coordinator possesses expertise in STEM education to assist in training and developing tutors hired to support STEM courses.
Senior Manager and Manager at STEM Summer and Auxiliary Programs - Lavner Education
Do you have strong experience in program management and possess excellent leadership skills? Do you want to join a team of year-round managers and directors who strive to create the best educational opportunities for kids? If so, apply today! Lavner Education is a global leader in STEM Education for kids and teens, blending cutting-edge technology, world-class instruction, and prestigious learning environments to prepare the next generation for success in a rapidly evolving digital world.
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In Memory of Donald McKinney
Donald McKinney was a beloved chemistry teacher who launched and administered the PEF’s Math and Science Coalition from 2009 to 2016. When Don passed away in January of 2016, he left behind a legacy of quality science education and hundreds of devoted students and colleagues.
In recognition of his commitment to and passion for STEM Education, PEF established the Donald McKinney Center for STEM Education.
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